Lead RVN – Maternity Cover

About the Role

Village Vet Highgate is a thriving first opinion practice in London seeking an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse to take on a Lead Nurse position during maternity cover. This is a full-time role working 8-hour shifts on a rota basis, including early starts and late finishes (running until 7:30pm), offering the chance to step into genuine leadership within a close-knit, supportive team.

You’ll balance clinical delivery with team coordination, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to the smooth day-to-day running of a busy practice. The team manages a varied and complex caseload in-house, and you’ll work alongside 3 experienced vets, another RVN, a PCA, and a hydrotherapy nurse in a genuinely collaborative environment. This is a fixed-term contract (up to 12 months), with potential discussions about alternative roles once the permanent post-holder returns.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality clinical nursing care across a wide range of procedures—from routine support to complex surgeries and dentals
• Provide inpatient care, monitoring, and accurate clinical record-keeping
• Guide and mentor RVNs and support team members, supporting day-to-day rota awareness and team coordination
• Liaise with the Lead Vet on operational and clinical matters, promoting a positive team culture
• Ensure efficient workflow within the busy practice environment, working collaboratively across all departments
• Deliver excellent client communication and service from admission through to discharge

Requirements

• Qualified and Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)
• Proven experience working in a busy clinical environment
• Confidence managing a varied and complex caseload
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Interest in leadership and team development

Benefits

• Salary: £39,000 per annum
• Full-time, fixed-term contract (up to 12 months) with attractive benefits package
• Leadership development opportunity in a well-equipped, dynamic practice
• Exposure to advanced clinical cases and varied surgical work
• Supportive, inclusive workplace culture with a strong team ethos

About the Practice

Village Vet Highgate is a well-established, busy first opinion practice serving London. The team is known for managing a varied and complex caseload in-house, supported by experienced veterinarians and a collaborative working environment. The practice operates with a strong focus on high standards of patient and client care.

The practice is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the world’s largest family-owned veterinary group, committed to creating a supportive, inclusive workplace where veterinary professionals can thrive and deliver excellence in patient care.